It's been awhile since I've been to the Old Oakland Farmer's Market on Fridays in downtown Oakland. Years ago, there was a guy selling live "mudbugs" who would trek in from somewhere near the Delta. I remember paying $10 for 3 pounds. They were on the medium side compared to the ones I'd had in New Orleans. Still boiled up nice and tasty.

I'm sure there are other CH'ers who've been to the OOFM more recently....

I helped host a bachelor party a couple years back where we decided on a crawfish boil. We ordered them up at Omega 3 ( I live in Napa). Call any seafood shop that is local to you. I am sure they will be willing to get what you need.

I'm a Lousianan in SF too and what I do is not the cheapest but it's way better than what you could ever get around here. Order from Tony's Seafood in Baton Rouge. I know you're looking for live but Tony's has the best boiled around, delivered next day via FedEx. Put em in a big pot, heat, and the locals will never know the difference as their lips numb up in pain.